synetic theater

You have to look a bit for the theater - in the Crystal City Underground, across from the parking - but the experience once you get there is well worth it. Beauty and the Beast was told through acting, acrobatics, "shadow theater," pantomime, beautiful lighting, and a bit of narration. A beautiful, creative experience.The theater is only a couple of blocks from Jaleo's (Spanish tapas, etc.) which is a great way to start the evening.

We are 'theater buffs', being subscribers to Synetic for a number of years now. We also go to numerous other theaters in the Arlington, DC, MD area and are volunteer ushers at a few more. (Some people spend time and $$$ golfing, fishing, going to pro sports, collecting toy trains ... we go to the theater.) Synetic T in Crystal City has earned it's 25 "Helen Hayes Awards" (and 90+ nominations!) year after year because it provides some of the most eye-popping and stimulating productions you can imagine. While a "Silent Shakespeare" production might sound dull, just the opposite is true at Synetic. Every show includes great music, fantastic sets and costumes, and breathtaking choreography that's got to be seen to be believed. Check out Synetic's website to see what we mean. Be forewarned, however that some of Synetic's shows can be a bit sexy and risque! For example, it's upcoming "Much Ado About Nothing" is recommended for ages 14 and up. That being said, they've also got a "Teen Production" of Hamlet coming up later this spring.Know too that there's plenty of FREE parking and "Synetic" signage directly beneath the theater in the Crystal City Underground. There's easy elevator access that takes you right to within a few feet of Synetic's lobby!

My husband and I recently spent an evening enjoying Beauty and the Beast. Like previous productions we've been to (Midsummer Night's Dream, Portrait of Dorian Grey), B&B was inventive and was a refreshing change from the Disney version. I enjoyed the telling of the old folk tale. We had gotten used to seeing stories acted out without words so we were a bit surprised with the narration that accompanied this production; the important thing is, it worked well because of the twists and turns of the storyline.We always savor the dancing and sometimes acrobatic moves of the actors.This is a theatre that's unfortunately not as well known as it should be- it's in a sea of office high rises so most people don't know about it unless they read about it in the Washington Post ( always rave reviews) or they see it as they walk in the Crystal City underground and stumble across it (as my husband did).You can also watch Synetic actors rehearse for upcoming productions- their new studio has a glass front that faces one of the walkways in Crystal City's underground.Synetic is Highly recommended if you enjoy highly skilled actors, dancers in creative and innovative performances.Tip: we enjoy purchasing the Jaleo pre-dinner with theatre ticket option through Synetic box office. The tapas dinner is a yummy treat ( and not too filling) before walking to the theatre for the show.

Fusion is fascinating! I went to the Synetic theater expecting the musical Jekyll and Hyde. Instead, I got a ticket to 90 minutes of music, acting, gymnastics, dance, lights, film, special effects and not one spoken word. It was truly a spectacular theatrical experience!!! Other perks! 1. I went to a pay what you can preview! 2. free parking in Crystal City 3. enjoyed a good salad at Bread and Choclate 4. Purchased a piece of sculpture at the Gallery in the Underground. A must see for theater lovers!

I have been attending Synetic's SIlent Shakespeare series for years - your first reaction will be that Shakespeare without the text just cannot work. Trust me, it does. The story and emotions are conveyed through movement, costumes, original music and inventive staging (for The Tempest a water pool covered most of the stage evoking the sea and island setting of the play). The text based performances are a little bit less interesting to me, but still well worth going. Convenient to Crystal City Metro and free parking evenings and weekends.

We stumbled across this theater while seeking Metro access from our hotel. We pondered the worthiness of this theater for my birthday evening and I am SO pleased we took the plunge.The theater is very spacious and comfortable. Our last minute seats were perfect (2 X $45) for the presentation of The Three Musketeers. What a witty, humorous and very entertaining production. The actors were excellent.....some, worthy of Broadway.For a wonderful experience, do not hesitate to visit the Synetic!

We came accross this Synetic Theater a little by coincidence, and what a tremendous surprise we got. This is theather is the most professional way at the most affordable price. The Three Musketeers was entertaining, funny, very well done and truly unique, which is impressive considering the high standards of such a tale. The actors were superb. The special effects and lighting, something important to me, who have been on the stage as well and know the challenges of creating and coordinating special effects on--what I am sure is--a limited budget. Everything about the performance was grandiose, and there was nothing left to be desired when compared to the likes of Kennedy Center or Imagination Stage performances. What a gem!

We have been to Synetic many times, and we have almost always enjoyed the performances. They are very inventive and unlike most dance theaters you will go to. In my opinion, their wordless Shakepearean performances are the best. And the Metro stop couldn't be more convenient!

I have been to several of the Synetic Theatre's productions of Shakespeare plays without words. And I will be back for more. Without dialogue, it is useful to know the plot line. But the acting is so powerful, that's not even necessary.

Synetic's brand of theater blends narrative, movement, technology and a visceral approach that's compelling. While not every show is a home run, they are consistently inventive. The theater is easily reached by Metro. There's not much around for dinner/drinks, so you're better off eating elsewhere and then driving/training to the theater. It's a 5-minute walk from the Crystal City metro station, and can be reached without going outside.

Beloved and I went to see Jekyll and Hyde. Not having done my homework I did not realize this was a wordless show. It was a great surprise that the lead and supporting cast were phenomenal. My thinking was this would be campy, and although there were moments where they came close to the campy line...a Michael Jacksonesqe dance number comes to mind...the line was balanced. It was exciting and gave me a full understanding of "physical theatre". It was a powerful and very sexy 90 minutes. This particular show is NOT for children or those that are sensative to sexuality. We loved it.

Play is a different take on the old story. No dialogue. The basic story is okay & the actor playing the main character is pretty good w/a lot of physical flexibility required. Uses dancers in gas masks & a big TV as important parts which frankly I didn't get.

Synetic is one of the top theatre companies in the DC metro area. We see many theatrical productions around the country each year, and Synetic is on the top of our list. You can bet that the shows will have incredible production values - lighting, original music, and choreography are always top notch. The talent of the performers is astounding. Do not be afraid to attend just because there are no words - no words are needed to understand their brilliance. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike. Go see them and be amazed. Then go out for dinner/drinks and talk for hours about what you just witnessed.

Theatre done through dance unlike any you've ever experience.

The Synetic Theater is a small, local, but powerful institution. Created by a Georgian director and his choreographer and senior performer Georgian wife, the theater and its Shakespeare without words productions are outstandingly professional and just downright amazing. I went to see "Macbeth" on a lark because I had a coupon: how can you do Shakespeare without words? Not possible, right? Well, the energy, choreography, and staging took my breath away. It's of course good to know the story, but the actors really manage to get the gist of the conflict and the personalities across by their movements and facial expressions. I was so sold that I went back to see their equally good "Othello" and plan to see "Romeo and Juliet" in the next few weeks. I still value Shakespeare's words but the drama in these wordless productions is not to be missed. Skeptics need to see this!The theater is located in the middle of Crystal City, Arlington, VA, and is less than one block underground from the metro--which is also just under the major bus station for commuter transit. So you can metro or bus to Crystal City and show up right at the theater. The theater is small and intimate--in fact, the Arena Stage held its productions here while its new venue was being built.Jaleo's often offers a combination dinner and theater package, but there are probably 60 restaurants within one mile of the theater.A really great experience.